Microsoft's Build developer conference has kicked off, giving us a look at a number of upcoming products.
Here are some of the biggest and most important announcements that Microsoft has made at Build so far.
1. Android Apps on Windows Phone
There has long been talk about Windows supporting Android and iOS apps. While Android apps will not directly translate for use on Windows-based devices, Microsoft has released a number of tools that will make it far easier for developers to port their Android and iOS apps over to Windows universal apps.
This is a big move for Microsoft. The company has largely lagged behind iOS and Android because of the lack of apps it offers on Windows Phone.
2. A Windows Phone is a Windows PC
Windows 10 Continuum will essentially allow users to plug their phone into an HDMI display, connect a mouse and keyboard, and essentially use the device as a computer. Now, this might be something that can already be done with phones, but the real difference is in universal apps — which will be able to detect screen size and change the interface based on that screen size.
3. Internet Explorer Makes Way for Edge
Internet Explorer is finally on its way out. Project Spartan has been buzzed about for a few months now, but now, the new Internet browser has an official name — Edge. Edge will be a much lighter-weight browser. It will make use of Cortana and support browser extensions, many of which are currently available on Chrome and Firefox.
4. HoloLens isn't Just a Vision
Microsoft also showed off HoloLens at Build, and the new device looks very cool indeed. As this is Microsoft's first attempt at virtual reality, some might expect the new device to be a little bit of a work-in-progress — but it seems as though HoloLens will end up being pretty well-developed.
HoloLens will be able to adapt to the user's environment, plastering apps on walls and other flat surfaces. It will also be very usable in educational settings.
5. Visual Studio on OS X and Linux
Users of Windows devices have long been able to develop apps or Web projects with Visual Studio, but users of OS X or Linux have not been able to take advantage of the software. Microsoft has now announced that it will be offering Visual Studio for OS X and Linux users, essentially opening it up to a completely new community of developers.
